European white birch is popular ornamental tree

The Betula pendula is commonly known as the European white birch, silver birch or European weeping birch tree. A member of the Betulaceae family, closely related to the beech and oak family, this tree is native to England, Europe and Asia Minor.

Its name Betu is Celtic for tree, and pendula comes from the Latin, referring to the pendulous habit of its branches. In ancient Rome, it was a symbol of power and authority, and its branches were often carried on an ax ahead of Roman processions for important people. Today, this elegant tree is Finland’s national tree.

When the glaciers of the last ice age receded, this tree was among the pioneer species to reestablish on the rocky, ice-scoured landscapes. Now, its characteristic sliver-white bark, graceful habit, long pendulous branches, delicate yellow-green spring catkins and heart-shaped golden leaves in autumn have made this tree popular around the world. The European white birch is probably the most frequently planted deciduous ornamental shade tree in the West.

In its native habitats, the European birch is a riverbank tree — its roots like moisture and its crown likes sunlight. These trees are most happy when planted in a location that offers these two requirements. Many times these picturesque trees are used as accents in lawn areas. Supplemental watering during dry periods is critical and mulching is important. Also, use care when mowing around the base, as the bark is easily damaged. Pruning, if necessary, should be limited to the tree’s dormancy period.

The silver birch grows rapidly to about 50 feet high with about a 30-foot spread. It develops a high weeping canopy that makes it an excellent choice for gardens and lawns. Although it is not drought tolerant, this tree thrives in full sun to partial sun, adapts to many soils and is tolerant of air pollution. The European white birch can live 60 to 150 years unless you use it for a bonsai, in which case it can live as long as 300 years.

When most people think of the European weeping birch tree, they envision a graceful tree with beautiful white bark. However, parts and products of this tree have been have been used as foods, in personal care products, in folk and traditional medicine, in industrial applications and other practical applications for millennia.

The inner bark of this tree can be ingested safely and is the most eaten of temperate-zone trees. The Betula pendula has been used in making teas, wines, syrups, rums, vinegars, whiskeys, root beer and other drinks. In addition, it has been used in artificial sweeteners and the smoking of hams, haddock and herrings. Its unique fragrance makes it a part of essential oils found in soaps, shampoos, hair lotions, chewing gums for dental hygiene and insect repellents. Worldwide more than 240 pharmaceutical products contain silver birch. The bark can be soaked in hot water and then used as a cast for broken limbs. It has also been used for in clothing, dyes, printing paper, bookbinding, lubricants, tanning, photography, preserving furs and even a spray that acts like Teflon.

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The wood of the Betula pendula is close-grained with satiny texture and can take a fine polish. It is used in the manufacturing of furniture, skis, bobbins, spools, clogs, barrel staves, wooden wheel rims, boxes, cradles, mats, boots, brooms, fence posts, roofing, boat building, cellulose, toys and rope as well as conductor’s batons and special drums used in recording studios. Also, this wood is the preferred wood in the making of toothpicks.

Source: Joyce Dean, a member of the Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society